Crossword Genius

Expresses regret for what's said to be the extent (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

sighs

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'expresses regret for' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both to do with communicating as well as being verbs in their -s form.
Perhaps you can see an association between them that I don't see?

'said to be the extent' is the wordplay.
'said to be' shows a homophone (sound like).
'the extent' becomes 'size' (I've seen this before).
'size' is a homophone of 'SIGHS'.

'what's' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for sighs that I've seen before include "Sounds despondent" , "Moans" , "Yearns" , "Bridge of - - (Venice)" , "gentle sounds" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.
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